Repetition piano-action.



No. 687,609. Patented Nov. 26, mm. .1. w. HARLEY, m. REPETITION PIANO ACTION.

(Application filed Feb. 19, 1900.

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'1 Hanna No. 687,609. I Patented NOV. 26, l90l. J. W. DARLEY, In.

REPETITION PIANO ACTION.

(Application flied Feb. 19, 1900.

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No. 687,609. Patented Nov. 26,l90L

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REPETITIUN PIANO ACTION.

(Application filed Feb. 19, 1900.

(No Modei.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 3.

l ll g 1nmlumnmnnumumun MWWWM EIII Patented Nov. 26, I90].

J. W. HARLEY, .IR. REPETITIUN PIANO ACTION.

(Application filed Feb. 19, 1900.) (No Model.) 6 Sheets8heet 4.

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Patented Nov. 26, IBM. .1. w. DARLEY, In. REPETITION PIANO ACTION.

(Application filed Feb. 19, 1900.)

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ar/ ,J. FD @J No. 687,609. Patented Nov. 26, [90L J. W. DARLEY, 1R.

REPETITION PIANO ACTION.

Application flied Feb. 19, 1900.)

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 6.

W aftoznu g v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN W. DARLEY, JR., OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO MICHAEL HOLZMAN, PHILIP I'IAMBURGER, AND LEON HAMBURGER, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

. REPETITION PIANO-ACTION.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 687,609, dated November 26, 1901.

Application filed February 19, 1900. Serial No. 5,748. (No model.)

To call whom it may concern: Fig. 3 is a front elevation of a portion of the Be it known thatI, JOHN WESLEY DARLEY, action, four of the supporting-frames being Jr., a citizen of the United States, residing shown and the keys being shown in crossat Baltimore city, State of Maryland, have section. Fig. t is a rear elevation of a part 5 invented certain new and useful Improveof the action, showing three of the keys, the

ments in Repetition Piano-Actions; and I do parts of the action connected therewith, and hereby declare the following to be a full, the adjacent supporting-frame. Fig. 5 is a clear, and exact description of the invention, cross-section through the rails, showing one such as will enable others skilled in the art to of the frames in side elevation and showing 10 which it appertains to make and use the same. the position of the lower part of the abstract My invention relates to improvements in when the frames are tilted outwardly preparapiano-actions, and especially in those act-ions tory to being withdrawn from the case. Fig. known as repetition actions, which are de- 6 represents a side view of the sostenuto atsigned to enable the operator to sound the tachment, the rail being shown in section.

15' same note repeatedly in rapid succession and Fig. 7 is an enlarged side view, partly in secat the same time preserve that quality known tion, of the upper end of the abstract, showas the touch, which is very essential forthe ing the manner of attaching and the means satisfaction of the performer. for regulating the repetition-spring. Fig. S

Musicians who have played on an upright is a rear elevation of the same. Fig. 9 is an 20 piano provided with my improved action have enlarged perspective View of the upper end found that they could produce the required of the jack, showing the manner in which the modulations in a satisfactory manner, as the cap is fitted around the top thereof. Fig. 10 keys, although light to the fingers and playis a perspective view showing the shape of ing freely, do not drop away from the fingers the cap when placed upon the jack-top singly.

25 of the player, as with actions of theconstruc- Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a piece of tion now most commonly in use on upright jack molding, showing the caps secured pianos. I attribute this improved effect to thereto before the same is out into jacks. the fact that the hammers are subject to an Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a cap approximately equal retraction correspondcemented upon the top of the jack without 0 ingin this regard to the hammers of the grand being bent around at the ends. Fig. 13 is a piano. At the same time I so arrange and cross-section of the sostenuto rail, showing proportion the parts that greater simplicity the spring and cloth tip in elevation. Fig. 14 and a lighter and more sympathetic touch are is a plan of the sostenuto spring, showing the obtained, coupled with greater ease of reguposition of the cloth cap in dotted lines.

5 lation and the presentation of a more hand- Fig. 15 represents a side and edge view of some appearance at the front. the hammer-spring.

The present invention is especially intended a designates the base-board, uponwhich the to cover certain improvements upon the deseveral parts of the action are mounted, and vice described in myapplication concurrently I) and c designate the supporting-rails, which 40 pending, Serial No. 719,096, filedJune 2, 1899. are secured to the vertical frames (1, which Reference is had to the accompanying drawframes, together with the said rails, form the ings, wherein the same parts. are indicated frame which supports the several parts of the by the same characters of reference throughaction above the keys. out the several views. 6 designates one of the keys which are piv- 5 Figure 1 represents a side elevation of one oted upon the base-board a, as at f, and are 9: of the keys, the several parts of the action provided with the usual cushions beneath all connected therewith, and one of the supporttheir points of contact with the framework of ing-frames, the rails being shown in crossthe piano. section. Fig. 2 is asimilar view showing the The various rails and other parts of the 50 position of the partswhen thekeyis depressed. piano-action are faced with felt or other suitme able material wherever they are likely to be struck by any of the moving parts,and all centers are bouched with cloth in the usual wellknown way, the effect of the whole being to prevent rattling and to deaden all sounds except of the strings which have been struck.

The abstract g is hung to the supportingrail 0 by a three-arm jack-lever h and to the lower rail 1) by a straight levert', and the said abstract is provided at its lower end with a footj,which is suitably padded and rests upon the head of the screw in the inner end of the key-lever. The rear side of the foot j is extended and padded on its upper side, as at Z, to make contact with a wire m, which extends upward from the key and over the said end of the foot to prevent the abstract from separating from the screw 70.

A rail 17, is secured to the lower part of the frames djust above the rear ends of the keys e and is padded along its under side. The object of this rail 11 is to prevent the rear ends of the keys from being thrown too high.

The ham mer-butts o are pivoted in the front ends of the cross-pieces p, which are secured to the upper sides of the rail 0, and the said hammer-butts have the stems q extending upwardly therefrom and carrying the hammers r at their upper ends. WVhen in the normal position, these stems (1 rest upon the softpedal rail 8, which is secured to the frames d and padded to receive the said ham mar-stems.

The jack-lever h is pivoted to the supporting-rail, as at 4, and has the arms 5 and 6 extending forwardly therefrom, the abstract 9 being pivoted to the arm 5. The jack 2 is pivoted at its lower end to the arm 6 of the jack-lever h and extends upward at an angle to the abstract, its upper end or head 7 normally resting beneath the lug if on the hammer-butt, as shown in Fig. 1.

A repetition-spring 8 is mounted in the abstract g and is connected with the jack 2 by a flexible connection 9, the tension of the said spring being adjustable by means of the screw 10. This repetition-spring 8 is of uniform thickness and is shaped as shown in Fig. 8, the lower portion 11 being slightly enlarged and perforated to receive the screw 10, the head or shoulder 12 of which bears upon the rear side of the said spring. The lower end of the spring 8 is reduced to enter a slot 13 in the abstract g, which secures the spring from lateral movement. Aflexible pad 14: is interposed between the said spring and the abstract, just above a shoulder 15, against which the lower portion of the spring is adapted to rest. This flexible pad is arranged to produce sufficient pressure between the spring and the head or shoulder of the screw 10 to preclude the possibility of rattling. From this construction it will be seen that by tightening or loosening the screw 10 the tension of the spring 8 may be adjusted. The screw 10 is flattened at its front end, where it extends through the abstract, in order that it may be turned from the front of the action for convenience in adjusting the spring. From the enlarged portion 11 the spring 8 is tapered toward the top, as shown in Fig. 8, terminating in a hook 16, to which the flexible connection 9 is secured. The flexible connection 9 being secured at its other end to the jack 2 near its upper end, the tension of the spring 8 is imparted therethrough to the said jack. Three different strengths of spring are to be used in order to approximately proportion their effects to suit the different-sized hammers. The springs are all to be made of the same thickness of material and the widths varied to obtain the differentstrengths. Each size ofthesesprings in the abstracts should be used with the hammers having the corresponding size of hammer-spring 25, as hereinafter set forth.

The lower end of the jack 2 extends somewhat below its pivotal point in the arm 6 of the jack-lever h and is provided with a screw -17, which passes through a threaded opening in the said jack and is provided with a head 18, adapted to be struck by the cushion 19, secured to the jack-lever, between the two arms 5 and 6 thereof. \Vhen the head 18 is struck by the cushion 19, the jack is forced to assume the position shown in Fig. 2. This operation is termed the release. The other end of the screw 17 extends through the slot 13 in the abstract and has on its front end a square or hexagonal head 20, by means of which it can be turned from the front of the instrument. The weight of the front end and head of the screw 1'7 is so proportioned that the jack 2 will be dynamically balanced about its pivot. The upper end of the abstract g is provided with a stop 21, against which the jack stops and rests in its normal position, and just above the said stop 21 a wire 22 is secured to the abstract and extends rearwardly, terminating just above the lug t on the hammer-butt, the object of the said wire being to assist the hammer in its return when the key is being struck very rapidly.

Near the upper part of the frames d, on the rear side thereof, are formed lugs 23, upon which is secured a rail y, the said rail being held in place by two screws 24, which pass through each of the said frames, one above and one below the said lugs 23, whereby the said rail y maybe adjusted to adjust the ten sion of the springs 25. The springs 25 are formed as shown in Fig. 15, the upper ends 61 being round to enter round holes in the lower edge of the rail I/ and the lower portion being flattened gradually from the points 62 to the lower ends 63, which lower ends are adapted to bear against cushioned lugs 26 on the rear upper corners of the hammer-butts 0. These springs are flattened in such proportion that they will bend equally at every portion of their length and are for the purpose of starting the hammers quickly on their return movement. The springs are to be so proportioned that the total retraction on the hammers (consisting of the retraction due to gravity and that due to the springs) shall be slightly greater when the hammer is near the string than it is when the hammeris some distance therefrom. These springs are made of three different sizes of wire, so as to approximately proportion their effects'to the varying effect of gravity on the different-sized hammers.

A stem 1 extends upwardly and forwardly from the upper portion of the hammer-butt 0 and has at its outer end a counter-check w, which is padded, as shown, adapted to engage a back check 27, also padded, on the upper end of the abstract g'when the hammer rebounds from the string while the key is pressed down,and thus hold the hammer from further movement.

The damper-levers 28 are pivoted to the rear ends of the pieces 9 upon the rail 0 and carry at their upper ends the dampers 29, which are normally pressed against the strings 00 by the damper-springs 30. The lower ends of the dam per-levers are bent forwardly below the rail 0, as at 31, and spoons 32, which extend upward from the jack-levers h, are adapted to strike these lower ends of the damper-levers when the abstract 9 moves upwardly,and thus move the dampers 29 away from the'strings 5c. The damper-levers 28 are set at an angle, as shown in Fig. 4, in order to allow a screwdriver to be inserted between them to turn the screws a should this be necessary after the dampers are-in place. The spoons 32 and the wires carrying the dampers 29 are also bent at an angle to bring the operating parts to the proper positions. The rod 33 is connected with the loud pedal and serves to throw all of the dampers away from the strings when the loud pedal is depressed.

The sostenuto rail 34 is mounted on curved hangers 35, which have pivotal bearings in holes 37 in the lugs 64, (see Figs. 3 and 5,) which lugs are formed integrally with the frames d. One of the said hangers is providedwith a lever 36, which is connected by its extension 38 with a rod 39, which is operated by the sostenuto pedal. The sostenuto rail is formed of two pieces, the rail proper 40 being L-shaped in cross-section, as shown in Fig. 13, and the other piece 41 being square in cross-section and fitted into the inner angle of the L-shaped piece 40. A series of springs 42, shaped as shown in Fig. 14, (one for each of the damper-levers with which it is desired to use the sostenuto attachment,) are secured in a horizontal position between the upper side of the piece 41 and the lower side of the piece 40, and the said springs extend backwardly beyond the rear edges of the piece 40 and are covered at their rear ends with cloth, as shown at 43.

The damper-levers having the sostenuto attachment are provided with forwardly-extending wires 44, arranged in such position that their forward ends will just clear the rear ends of the cloth tips 43 of the springs 42 when the sostenuto rail 34 is in its normal position. In Fig. 6 the dotted lines show one of the dampers and the sostenuto rail in their normal positions and the solid lines show the position these parts assume when the corresponding key has been depressed and the sostenuto rail has been moved rearwardly by the sostenuto pedal. The depression of the key causes the damper to move forwardly and the front end of the wire 44 to move in the arc of a circle forwardly and downwardly. The sostenuto rail being then moved backwardly, the rear end of the cloth 43 of one of the springs 42 will pass over the end of the wire 44 and prevent the damper from returning to its normal position when the key is released, thus allowing that particular string to continue to vibrate. The cloth 43 of the other springs 42 will pass beneath the ends of the other wires 44, and when the keys corresponding therewith are depressed these wires will strike the tops of the cloth 43 of the springs 42, which will be slightly depressed thereby and not interfere with the action of the dampers. As will be seen by reference to Fig. 13, the springs 42 are free to bend downwardly, but are prevented from bending upwardly by the rear edge of the L- shaped rail 40. The backward movement of the sostenuto rail is limited by screw-stops 70, having felt or padded heads 71, and so adjusted on the frames (7, as to stop the sostenuto rail at the proper position.

The head 7 of the jack 2 is preferably covered with a cap of hard orvulcanized fiber, which substance may be advantageously employed for this purpose for the reasons that it presents a smooth enduring surface for the head of the jack, it may be easily bent to the proper shape, and may be glued or cemented securely to the head of the jack. The caps 50 may be bent to the proper form and secured to each jack separately, as shown in Figs. 9, 10, and 12, or the vulcanized fiber may be secured to the top of the jack-molding 51, as shown in Fig. 11, after which the molding may be cut into jacks. The caps may be formed of a bent strip cemented to the jack-top, as is shown in Fig. 12, or in addition to cementing the cap may be bent around the corners of the jack-top, as is shown in Figs. 9 and 11, the form of the cap in this instance being shown in Fig. 10.

The frames d, which support the action, are formed with feet 52, having rounded heels 53 and similar-shaped toes 54, the heels 53 resting in depressions or recesses 55 in the footpieces 57. The upper ends of the frames 61 are secured to the frame of the instrument by means of the screws 58 and nuts 59. Forwardly-extending hooks 60 are formed on the upper ends of the frames d, against the inside surface of which near their points the screws of the soft-pedal rail 5 bear, and thus limit the outward movement. The rail 8 is to be operated by the soft pedal in any approved manner. hen the frames (Z are &

properly secured in place, they occupy the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and in dotted lines in Fig. 5, the heels 53 resting in the depressions 55 and the toes 54 a little above the depressions 56, the nuts 59 being screwed down upon the upper ends of the said frames to secure them in an upright position. When it is desired to remove the action, the nuts 59 are removed, and the frames are then tilted forward to the position shown in solid lines in Fig. 5. During this movement the frames turn upon the heels 53, the axis of which motion being directly beneath the point of contact of the wires m with the feet j of the abstract the said feet will move forwardly away from the said wires until when the toes 54 rest in the depressions 56 the said feet will be clear of the said wires, as shown in Fig. 5. The frames d may then be lifted out of the piano, bringing with them the several rails and the parts of the action carried thereby and leaving the keys and wires in place. In replacing the action the toe 54 is to be first placed in the depression 56 and the action revolved on toe 5i as a pivot until the heel 53 gets a bearing in the depression 55, when the heel 53 acts as a pivot and further motion brings the action into its correct place, the pad l sliding under the wire m. The keys may be easily removed by lifting the front ends thereof until they are clear of the pivot f, when they may be turned sidewise and removed, the wires m passing between the feet of the abstracts.

The operation of the invention will be clearly understood from the foregoing and further description thereof is believed to be unnecessary.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is I 1. In a piano-action, the combination with a sostenuto rail and dampers, of a plurality of flat springs with an indented end secured to said sostenuto rail, and a cloth tip secured over and held by said indented end to engage the damper, substantially as described.

2. In a piano-action, the combination with a series of frames supporting the several parts of the piano-action, and having feet with rounded heels and toes formed thereon; of footpieces secured to the instrument and having depressions to receive the said heels and toes of the frames, and means for securing the frames in an upright position; substantially as described.

3. In a piano-action, the combination with a series of frames supporting the several frames to be tilted forwardly, and means for securing the frames in an upright position; substantially as described.

4. In a piano-action, a spring formed of sheet metal and having a bearing on a member of the action, a screw for adjusting said spring, said screw passing through the said member and having a shoulder which forms a second bearing for the spring, substantially as described.

5. In a piano-action, the combination with a hammer spring rail, of springs having rounded upper ends to enter holes in the said rail, said springs being gradually flattened toward their lower ends, substantially as described.

6. In a piano-action, the combination with a jack-lever, and a jack pivoted to the said lever, of an abstract also pivoted to the said jack-lever, a spring having one end enlarged and perforated, and tapering gradually toward the other end, a screw passing through the perforation in the large end of the spring and into the said abstract, a flexible connection between the small end of the spring and the said jack, and means for moving the abstract to operate the said jack; substantially as described.

7. In a piano-action, the combination with a jack-lever, and a jack pivoted to the said lever, of an abstract also pivoted to the said jack-lever, a spring having one end enlarged and perforated, and tapering gradually toward the other end, a screw passing through the perforation in the large end of the spring and through the abstract, the said screw being flattened at the end projecting through the abstract, a flexible connection between the small end of the spring and the said jack, and means for moving the abstract to operate the said jack; substantially as described.

8. In a piano-action, the combination with a jack-lever, and a jack pivoted to the said lever, of an abstract also pivoted to the said jack-lever, a spring having one end enlarged and perforated, and tapering gradually toward the other end, a hook formed onto the small end of the spring, a screw passing through the said spring and through the abstract, a flexible connection between the said hook and the jack, and means for moving the said abstract to operate the said jack; substantially as described.

9. In a piano-action, the combination with a jack-lever, and a jack pivoted to the said lever; of an abstract also pivoted to the said lever and having a slot therein, a spring having one end enlarged and perforated, and reduced below the said perforation to enter the said slot, the said spring tapering gradually toward the other end, a screw passing through the perforation in the said spring and through the abstract, a flexible connection between the small end of the said spring, and the said jack, and means for moving the said abstract to operate the said jack; substantially as do scribed.

10. In a piano-action, the combination with damper-levers and dampers carried thereby, and wires extending forwardly therefrom; of a rail having a series of springs extending rearwardly therefrom in proximity to the said wires, means for moving the dampers forwardly, and means for moving the said rail backwardly to cause the said springs to engage with the said wires; substantially as described.

11. In a piano-action, the combination with damper-levers and dampers carried thereby, and wires extending forwardly therefrom; of a rail formed of an inverted-L-shaped piece,

and a square piece placed in the angle thereof; springs held between the two said pieces and projecting rearwardl y, means for moving the dampers forwardly, and means for moving the said rail backwardly to cause the said springs to engage the said wires, substantially as described.

12. In a piano-action, the combination with damper-levers and dampers carried thereby, and wires extending forwardly therefrom; of a rail formed of an inverted-L-shapcd piece, springs secured beneath the rearwardly-extending portion of the said L-shaped piece and extending beyond the rear edge thereof, means for moving the dampers forwardly, and means for moving the said rail backwardly to cause the said springs to engage the said wires; substantially as described.

13. In a piano-action, the combination with damper-levers and dampers carried thereby, and wires extending forwardly therefrom; of a rail formed of an inverted-L-shaped piece, springs secured beneath the rearwardly-extending portion of the said L-shaped piece and extending beyond the rear edge thereof, caps of fabric secured on the rear ends of the said springs and extending beneath the edge of the said L-shaped piece, means for moving the dampers forwardly and means for moving the said rail backwardly tocause the said springs to engage the said wires; substantially as described.

14. In a piano-action, the combination with damper-levers and dampers carried thereby, and wires extending forwardly therefrom; of a rail formed of an inverted- L-shaped piece, and a square piece placed in the angle thereof, springs formed with heads on each end, caps of fabric secured on one end of each of the said springs, the other. ends of the said springs being held between the L-shaped piece and the square piece, the said springs projecting beyond the rear edge of the L-shaped piece and held from upward movement thereby, means for moving the dampers forwardly, and means for moving the said railbackwardly to cause the said springs to engage the said wires; substantially as described.

15. In a piano-action, the combination with damper-levers and dampers carried thereby, and wires extending forwardly therefrom; of a rail having a series of springs extending rearwardly therefrom in proximity to the said wires, brackets pivoted to the frame of the instrument, hangers secured to the said brackets and supporting the said rail, means for rocking the said hangers to cause the rail to move rearwardly, and means for moving the dampers forwardly to cause the said wires to engage the said springs; substantially as described.

16. In a piano-action, the combination with damper-levers and dampers carried thereby, and wires extending forwardly therefrom; of a rail having a series of springs extending rearwardly therefrom in proximity to the said wires, brackets pivoted to the frame of the instrument, hangers secured to the said brackets and supporting the said rail, means for rocking the said brackets to cause the rail to move rearwardly, a stop-screw having a cushioned head to limit the rearward movement of the said rail, and means for moving the dampers forwardly to cause the said wires to engage the said springs; substantiallyas described.

17. In a piano-action, a jack-lever, a jack pivoted and driven thereby, a hammer operated by said jack, means for causing said jack to revolve with said jack-lever near the end of the stroke, and a fiber cap on the portion of the jack that contacts with the hammer-knuckle, substantially as described.

18. In a piano-action, the combination with ahammer-butt, and hammer carried thereby; of a jack-lever pivoted to the frame of the instrument, a jack pivoted to the said jacklever and having a tip of vulcanized fiber to engage the said llfilIlillGFblllll, a screw in the lower end of the said jack having a head to impinge against the said jack-lever near the end of its upward movement, an abstract also pivoted to the jack-lever, and means for moving the said abstract to cause the said jack to impinge against the said hammer-butt; substantially as described.

19. In a piano-action, the combination with a ham mer-butt and hammer carried thereby; of a jack-lever pivoted to the frame of the instrument, a jack pivoted to the said jacklever, a screw in the lower end of the said jack having a head to impinge against the said jack-lever near the end of its upward movement and effect the release of said jack, substantially as described.

20. In a piano-action, the combination with a hammer-bu tt, and hammer carried thereby;

of a jack-lever pivoted to the frame of the instrument, a jack pivoted to the said jacklever, a screw in the lower end of the said jack having a head to impinge against the jack-lever during a part of its upward movement, the said screw extending through the said jack and through a slot in the abstract, an abstract pivoted to the saidjack-lever and having a slot for the reception of the said screw, and means for moving the said abstract to cause the said jack to impinge against the said hammer-butt; substantially as described.

21. In a piano-action, the combination with a jack-lever, and a jack pivoted to the said lever, of an abstract also pivoted to the said jack-lever, a spring having one end enlarged and perforated, and tapering gradually toward the other end, a screw passing through the perforation in the large end of the spring and into the said abstract, a flexible connection between the small end of the spring and the said jack, a stop carried by the abstract to limit the forward movement of the said jack, and means for moving the abstract to operate the said jack; substantially as described.

22. In a piano-action, the combination with a hammer-butt, a hammer carried thereby, and a lug on the said ham mer-butt; of a jacklever, ajack pivoted to the said jack-lever and having a head adapted to impinge against the said lug on the hammer-butt, a screw in the lower end of the said jack to impinge against the said jack-lever, during a part of its upward movement, an abstract also pivoted to the said jack-lever, a spring adjustably secured to the said abstract and connected with the said jack, a stop on the abstract to limit the forward movement of the said jack, a wire extending from the abstract above the lug on the said hammer-butt, and means for moving the said abstract to cause the said jack to impinge against the said hammer-butt; substantially as described.

In a piano-action, the combination with a hammer-butt, a hammer carried thereby, and a lug on the said ham mer-butt; of a jacklever, a jack pivoted to the said jack-lever and having a head adapted to impinge against the said lug on the ham mer-hutt, a tip of vulcanized fiber upon the head of the said jack, a screw in the lower end of the said jack to impinge against the said jack-lever, during a part of its upward movement, an abstract also pivoted to the said jack-lever, a spring adjustably secured to the said abstract and tapering toward its free end, a hook upon the free end of the said spring, and a flexible connection from the said hook to the said jack, a stop on the abstract to limit the forward movement of the said jack, a wire extending from the abstract above the lug on the said ham merbutt, and means for moving the said abstract to cause the said jack to impinge against the said hammer-butt; substantially as described.

24. In a piano-action, the combination with ahainmerspring-rail, springs having rounded upper ends to enter holes in the said rail, and being gradually flattened toward their lower ends; of means for rocking the said rail to vary the tension of the said springs on the hammers; substantially as described.

25. In a piano-action, the combination with a hammer spring-rail, springs having rounded upper ends to enter holes in the said rail, and

being gradually flattened toward their lower ends; of means for rocking the said rail to vary the tension of the said springs on the hammers; comprising lugs attached to the action-frame and forming fulcrums for the rail, and adjusting-screws on opposite sides of the said fulcrums; substantially as described.

26. In a piano-action, the combination with ham [her-butts, and hammers carried thereby; of a rail, springs having round upper ends fitted in holes in the said rail and being gradually flattened toward their lowerends to bear upon the said hammer-butts, lugs attached to the action-frame and forming fulcrums for the said rail, and adjusting-screws 011 opposite sides of the said fulcru ms to rock the said rail and vary the tension of the said springs upon the ham merbutts; substantially as described.

27. In a piano-action, a plurality of damper-levers set at an angle to the plane in which the hammer moves, the damper-lever for each note being mounted in the flange for the cor responding hammer-butt, and means for operating the said damper-levers; substantially as described.

28. In a pianoaction, a plurality of damper-levers set at an angle to the plane in which the hammer moves, the damper-lever for each note being mounted in the flange for the corresponding ham mer-butt', dampers carried by the said levers, springs pressing the said dampers against the strings of the piano, and means for moving the said dampers away from the said strings; substantially as described.

20. In a piano-action, the combination with a plurality of damper-levers set at an angle to the plane in which the hammer moves, the damper-lever for each note being mounted in the flange for the corresponding hammer-butt, dampers carried by the said levers, springs pressing the said dampers against the strings of the piano, and wires extending forwardly from the said damper-levers; of means for moving the said dampers away from the said strings, and means for holding one of the said dampers away from the said strings; substantially as described.

30. In a piano-action, the combination with a jack-lever and a jack pivoted to the said lever, of an abstract also pivoted to the said jack-lever, a spring, a screw passing through said abstract and said spring, and a connection between said spring and said jack, sulr stantially as described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

J. IV. DARLEY, JR.

Witnesses:

BLANOHE SMITH, HENRY A. HIPPLnn. 

